2014 continues to be a season of change and transition both in the Conference Office as well as in the Camping Ministry. Leadership is changing at Lake Poinsett.  Diane Weller will serve as the Camping Assistant at the conference office. Sheri Meister, Sioux Falls, South Dakota has been named the Executive Director of the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation.  Darci Stewart will serve as the administrative assistant for the Dakotas UM Foundation.

Camping staff changes

Ginny Sekol retired this past November Susan Punt began working as the camping assistant.  When the job in the finance office opened this summer Susan applied and was hired.   Susan began her duties in the Finance Office on July 14 and can be reached at susan.punt@dakotasumc.org. 

Becky Holten, Director of Camping and Youth Ministries announced, "We were fortunate to hire Diane Weller to work full-time in the camping office now.  Diane has worked for us for several years during our busiest season.  She already knows some of the responsibilities and I am confident she will learn the remainder of the job responsibilities."

Diane began her full-time work in camping, on July 14, and can be reached at diane.weller@dakcamps.org. 

Kyle Sachs was hired as the site director at Lake Poinsett Camp in March,2012.  Kyle is no longer with the camping ministry; his last day was July 12.  Virgil Whetsel and Sean Binder are now serving as interim site directors at Lake Poinsett Camp. 

Holten noted, "We wish Kyle and his family the very best and pray God’s blessing upon them. Virg and Sean bring great experience with them as seasonal staff over the past several years.  Both were a part of the transition team at Wesley Acres Camp and Retreat Center in 2012 and their gifts and graces complement each other."

At the conclusion of 2014 summer camping season Christy Heflin, who now serves as the director at Wesley Acres Camp and Retreat Center in North Dakota, will assume the position of site director at Lake Poinsett Camp. 

Christy joined the Dakotas Camping Ministry in November 2012, moving from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.  "Christy will bring her passion for the camping ministry, programming and building relationships with her as she moves to Lake Poinsett Camp," stated Becky Holten.
 
When Christy assumes the duties at Lake Poinsett Camp, Virg Whetsel will return to his teaching duties at Lake Preston. Sean Binder will move to Wesley Acres Camp to serve as the interim director there.

"As we continue on the Journey to Vitality it is exciting to see what God has in store for the camping ministry.  I trust God to continue to raise the needed leadership and help us discern our common outcomes as we seek to help individuals discover and claim their call and grow in leadership and discipleship.  Please join me in praying for each of these individuals and their families, for the transitions in their personal lives and for the camping ministry," Becky Holten, Director of Camping and Youth Ministries.

Dakotas UM Foundation

Sheri Meister has been hired as the Executive Director for the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation. Sheri is currently serving as the Foundation Director of Sioux Falls First United Methodist Foundation.

Jeff Pospisil, Dakotas Conference Treasurer stated, "She has a very impressive resume and will be a great part of the team."

Meister will begin her work as the foundation director on August 11.

Dulci Stewart, spouse of Pastor Russ Stewart currently appointed to Alexandria/Ethan, has accepted the position of Administrative Assistant for the Dakotas UM Foundation.